Haven Humane Society


About Forms Programs Services Outreach	The Misty Lee Memorial Fund Truth is hard to find – particularly during election years. We long to believe in heroes with honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, today few exist and we can never be certain that our heroes, be they political leaders, priests, athletes, writers or movie stars, are not involved in sex scandals, drug use or corporate corruption. It seems each time we look up to someone we set ourselves up for disappointment. However, the following story presents a hero with none of the usual failings. This hero did not perform for drugs, money or power. She was a simple being interested only in achieving the approval of the people around her. She was a refreshing truth in a thirsty world. Canine Officer Misty Lee [1998-2004] was not only a beloved companion animal but also an extraordinary representative of the humane efforts here in the North State. A Border Collie, Misty began life as a shelter animal. One could never have guessed what she would come to represent as her life unfolded over a six-year period. Exhibiting great enthusiasm for learning and a drive to please, she was exceptionally bright, playful and well trained to assist her human partner in animal rescue work. Though loved by us all here at Haven Humane Society, Misty Lee was the partner of Captain LeeAnne Smith, Field Services Supervisor for Redding Animal Regulation and a veteran of more than fifteen years of service on the Society staff. Captain Smith saw in Misty the potential to participate in emergency street situations and save animal lives. This Misty did on many occasions proving the value of animal-to-animal contact that a human officer cannot achieve. Misty rescued terrified animals hiding in freeway culverts, herded roaming cattle, sheep and goats from high-speed roadways and located countless lost and injured animals in brushy greenbelts. She swam to the aid of injured waterfowl and entertained children at Humane Society meetings and fund raising events. On one occasion, she even saved the life of a frightened but extremely aggressive Rottweiler locked in a standoff with police officers. Upon arrival at the neighborhood scene, Captain Smith and Misty found police officers, guns drawn, looking into the teeth-bared, snarling face of the large dog protecting his territory. Misty was released to “communicate” with the dog safely bringing him to the officer for a mobile kenneling and diffusing a tense situation without shots being fired or loss of life. As heroes go, this little dog was the real thing. Tragically, her serves were lost to us all when she was killed on a wet cold January night. People who knew Misty Lee were so moved by the loss that a memorial Misty Lee Emergency Care Fund was begun in her honor. This memorial fund will provide for critical medical attention required for injured animals of unknown ownership or those owned by the very poor and unable to afford care. X-rays to determine the extent of internal injuries, hydration therapy and laboratory results when an animal is suffering unknown toxic poisoning are but three examples where the fund may save a life. In the past, the Society has often not had sufficient resources to cover such vital services. The fund honors the spirit of this little dog who inspired us all. But, more importantly, your contribution (every last nickel) will be put to use helping to relieve suffering. Few charitable contributions you will ever make can be backed by such a guarantee. Please, make a generous contribution to the Misty Lee Memorial Fund today. Robert Timone Animal Welfare Consultant Haven Humane Society Executive Director [retired]
Haven Humane Society A Charitable Non-Profit Organization 7449 Eastside Road P.O. Box 992202, Redding, CA 96099-2202 (530) 241-1653 FAX (530) 241-4664

The Misty Lee Memorial Fund

Truth is hard to find – particularly during election years. We long to believe in heroes with honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, today few exist and we can never be certain that our heroes, be they political leaders, priests, athletes, writers or movie stars, are not involved in sex scandals, drug use or corporate corruption. It seems each time we look up to someone we set ourselves up for disappointment. However, the following story presents a hero with none of the usual failings. This hero did not perform for drugs, money or power. She was a simple being interested only in achieving the approval of the people around her. She was a refreshing truth in a thirsty world.

Canine Officer Misty Lee [1998-2004] was not only a beloved companion animal but also an extraordinary representative of the humane efforts here in the North State. A Border Collie, Misty began life as a shelter animal. One could never have guessed what she would come to represent as her life unfolded over a six-year period. Exhibiting great enthusiasm for learning and a drive to please, she was exceptionally bright, playful and well trained to assist her human partner in animal rescue work.

Though loved by us all here at Haven Humane Society, Misty Lee was the partner of Captain LeeAnne Smith, Field Services Supervisor for Redding Animal Regulation and a veteran of more than fifteen years of service on the Society staff. Captain Smith saw in Misty the potential to participate in emergency street situations and save animal lives. This Misty did on many occasions proving the value of animal-to-animal contact that a human officer cannot achieve. Misty rescued terrified animals hiding in freeway culverts, herded roaming cattle, sheep and goats from high-speed roadways and located countless lost and injured animals in brushy greenbelts. She swam to the aid of injured waterfowl and entertained children at Humane Society meetings and fund raising events. On one occasion, she even saved the life of a frightened but extremely aggressive Rottweiler locked in a standoff with police officers. Upon arrival at the neighborhood scene, Captain Smith and Misty found police officers, guns drawn, looking into the teeth-bared, snarling face of the large dog protecting his territory. Misty was released to “communicate” with the dog safely bringing him to the officer for a mobile kenneling and diffusing a tense situation without shots being fired or loss of life.

As heroes go, this little dog was the real thing. Tragically, her serves were lost to us all when she was killed on a wet cold January night. People who knew Misty Lee were so moved by the loss that a memorial Misty Lee Emergency Care Fund was begun in her honor. This memorial fund will provide for critical medical attention required for injured animals of unknown ownership or those owned by the very poor and unable to afford care. X-rays to determine the extent of internal injuries, hydration therapy and laboratory results when an animal is suffering unknown toxic poisoning are but three examples where the fund may save a life. In the past, the Society has often not had sufficient resources to cover such vital services.

The fund honors the spirit of this little dog who inspired us all. But, more importantly, your contribution (every last nickel) will be put to use helping to relieve suffering. Few charitable contributions you will ever make can be backed by such a guarantee. Please, make a generous contribution to the Misty Lee Memorial Fund today.

Robert Timone
Animal Welfare Consultant
Haven Humane Society Executive Director [retired]